I had a wrap two years ago, but I've never really had relief from reflux. I struggle to know if any of my present symptoms are related to the wrap or whether it's the reflux. I can't remember that's the trouble. I had problems swallowing liquids post surgery and I suspect that my swallowing has never really returned to normal. I'm now considering further surgery but I'm worried that I'll do myself more harm than good. Unfortunately the PPIs give me side effects, and don't work that brilliantly. Help.

Hi Katlan -I'm considering further surgery too. I had good relief from reflux, still do most of the time. Today is a Nexium day though, as will be tomorrow. My wrap was done very well at a major medical center by a top doc with many years of experience and a great reputation for success. He also does a lot or re-dos, so I'll go back if he'll take me.

My wrap was wrecked by a short bout of wretching. A little blood came up, so I know that is what caused the wrap to partly undo. Some of my stomach's sitting above the diaphragm again. I'm not concerned about that, but it gives me chest pain every time I eat or drink anything. I've lost 10 lbs since it started and can't afford to lose any more. I spend my day considering what to eat to get enough protein, not taking any time preparing (because my spine hurts horribly after 2 minutes of standing), and isn't fast food or pre prepared stuff with a bunch of ingredients I don't tolerate.

Actually, the subject of food intolerance or sensitivity might be something for you to check out. It's often a trigger for reflux. It's easy and free to keep a food log - times, everything you ate or drank, your symptoms after 1/2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours. (Migraine sufferers usually take a day, up to 2 days to note symptoms.)

Difficulty swallowing can definitely be a post-surgical problem. I had the surgery two years ago, and while I have no trouble swallowing most things, I do have trouble with some pills, and when i drink a lot of water I can feel it back up at the wrap site, and it takes time for it to drain through.

If your wrap is too tight, you might have some food hanging up at the wrap site, and as it decomposes, could create some "reflux"-type pain/sensation for you.

The wrap offers resistance for the things you're swallowing. Therefore, when you swallow it requires more effort, and may require a couple swallows or a bit of liquid--especially if you have a tight wrap.

Have you seen your GI regarding your symptoms? You may not need an additional surgery. Perhaps you could have your wrap stretched a bit (assuming the problem is that things are sitting there instead of getting through--a guess on my part).

I've been thinking back and doing a bit of research. I'm pretty sure I had a partial wrap originally. I'm wondering whether I should have had the full wrap as the research seems to suggest that this would he more effective. What are the side effects of having a full wrap?

If you had a partial wrap, it's unlikely that the problem is that it's too tight. It's probably more likely the looseness that is causing you problems.

Have you been to see your GI doc lately? It would make sense to see him/her or your surgeon and discuss these concerns. You could have a list of questions to be answered. I believe that would be your best option.